Please note: For visual design reasons, some diagrams and charts in this article are presented in their original language.

If you've ever struggled with creating documents, you won't want to miss this! Have you heard of Napkin AI, the tool that's currently buzzing on X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms for making document creation a breeze?

It’s a dream-like platform where the AI automatically generates complex diagrams and graphs for you—all you have to do is input the text. In today's world, visual content is in demand for every situation, from business documents to social media posts. Napkin AI is a true lifesaver that meets these needs. Previously, it only supported English, but it has now added support for multiple languages, including Japanese. In this article, we’ll explore the appeal of Napkin AI and how you can use it.

What is Napkin AI?

Napkin AI is an AI-powered platform that allows you to quickly visualize and organize your ideas. It automatically transforms text-based information into visually compelling content like diagrams, graphs, and flowcharts. Even if you don't have design skills, Napkin AI enables you to clearly express and share your thoughts using sophisticated visuals.

Features of Napkin AI

Automatic AI Generation

Simply input text, and the AI will analyze the content and automatically generate the optimal diagram.

Customization Features

You can freely edit and customize the generated diagrams, including fonts, colors, and icons.

Japanese Support

It is compatible with Japanese text.

Multiple Output Formats

You can download your creations in PNG, PDF, and SVG formats.

Napkin AI can be used in a variety of business scenarios, such as creating presentation materials that visualize ideas or graphing complex data, as well as for blogs and articles.

Recommended for people who:

• Spend a lot of time creating documents.

• Want to effectively visualize their ideas.

• Are not confident in their design skills.

• Want to use AI tools to improve their work efficiency.

How Do You Use It?

Let’s give it a try. Napkin AI is currently available for free.

You can start using it immediately by visiting the official website (https://www.napkin.ai/) and registering as a user. You can sign up with a Google account or an email address.

Intuitive and Simple UI

Although the Napkin AI UI is in English, its intuitive and simple design makes it easy to use without getting lost. It is broadly divided into two main menus: [Draft with AI] and [Blank Napkin].

[Draft with AI]: A mode where the AI creates a document based on your instructions.
[Blank Napkin]: A mode where you can freely input text to generate diagrams.
[Library]: Your history of previously created "napkins."

Draft with AI

Blank Napkin

Tool List

[Spark Search]: Search for icons you want to use.
[Label]: Place input text anywhere you like.
[Sketch]: A feature that allows you to draw freely.
[Image]: Insert images.

Tool List

Spark Search

Creating a Diagram

This time, I’ll try using Napkin AI to create a diagram for a section of a previous column we published, "Key Points for Effectively Communicating a Client's Vision in Advertising."

The diagrams for our web columns are typically created by a designer who refines a rough sketch from the writer, or by searching for and using relevant images. The task of preparing an easy-to-understand diagram, in addition to writing the column itself, can be surprisingly difficult. I'm curious to see what kind of diagram the AI will create for a fully completed article.

Actual Operation

1. Create a new page

Select [Blank Napkin] from the [+New Napkin] button in the top left to display a blank page.

2. Input the text

Paste the document you want to create a diagram for.

3. Automatically generate the diagram

Select the section of text you want to diagram, and a [Auto Spark] button will appear. Click it. After a few seconds, the AI will understand the document's content and create a diagram for you.

4. Select the best diagram

You can choose from several types of diagrams. Note: The type, content, and icons of the generated diagrams will vary depending on the text you select. Be aware that selecting too much text may result in a diagram that deviates from the content.

5. Customize and download

You can change the colors, fonts, and more on the selected diagram. You can also edit the text. Once finished, you can download the diagram as a PNG or other format for use.

Changing text color, shapes, and fonts

Changing icons

A Comparison

Original Article

Article with the Diagram Created by Napkin AI

What do you think?
The original article used an illustration to show the concept of narrowing down seven messages to three. The diagram created by Napkin AI, however, illustrates the process of refining information for an effective advertisement. Content that is difficult to convey with text alone can be understood at a glance with a visual diagram. By using Napkin AI, you can significantly reduce the effort required for document creation.

Since the advent of generative AI, many AI tools have been developed to improve efficiency, and we are seeing progress in the automation and streamlining of work processes. Some people have already begun to use AI services for creating presentations, such as conducting research with Perplexity or Genspark, writing content with GPT, Claude, or Gemini, and creating the final document with Gamma.

Perplexity/Genspark: AI search engines that provide accurate answers to user questions.
Gamma: An AI presentation tool that automatically generates high-quality slides when a user inputs text.

However, the reality is that few people are currently utilizing these tools. In the era to come, the use of AI will become indispensable in both business and daily life. It is important to proactively adopt new tools and technologies to ensure you don't fall behind in this wave of efficiency.